Over the next 4 weeks Sympatico will be hosting an exclusive web series that follows the ENVY on tour with KISS. Each week 2 webisodes will be featured on inMusic.ca with a minimum of 1 day on the Sympatico homepage per week. With over 1 million viewers a day on the homepage, that’s a big hit.
In addition to homepage and inMusic placement Sympatico is providing social media support, cross-promotional bricks in other channels, inclusion in their e-newsletter, and an artist feature page complete with bio and a quiz.
ECMA is co-sponsoring the Atlantic Brand Confabulation being held in Moncton this January. Gene Simmons of KISS is the keynote speaker for the event.
Part of ECMA’s participation is a contest where one artist/band from each Atlantic province will win the chance to perform in front of Gene Simmons.
Artists are asked to submit a short video to explain what and why they want to play, and to explain how getting to perform in front of Gene would help their brand.
A full list of details and a link to the submission form can be found at:
We had an amazing time on the KISS tour this summer, these were some of the
best shows we have ever played. On the last shows in Mexico, Doc Mcghee and
the amazing KISS crew filmed our show for us.
Here's some of that footage
along with other footage from the tour, and a new song COLD from our new
album coming out in the new year.
Enjoy!!!!
Nov 22nd-
Bassist, vocalist, songwriter, reality TV star, magazine writer… Gene Simmons has done it all. As an original member and a co-founder of Kiss, one of the highest selling rock bands ever, Gene Simmons has had an undeniable impact on rock music. Even after a successful career he still continues to actively contribute to the world of music.. for better or for worse.
Now, once more Gene Simmons demonstrates that he isn’t content with just sitting around and reminiscing about the days of old. Instead, he’s resurrected his own record label. And that label, aptly named Simmons Records, has just confirmed it’s very first signing.
The band that will be signing to Simmons Records is a group from Toronto, Ontario called The Envy. In addition to releasing their debut album sometime next year, The Envy will be one of the openers for Finger Eleven on their Canadian tour in early 2011.
When Gene was talking with the Montreal Gazette about his label and the band, he said: “I really believe that the next generation of superstars is going to come out of Canada. You’ve got perhaps the biggest marketing entity in the world right next door. You can take advantage of America, but you’ve got to have the goods.”
Gene has decided that the label will be for artists from Canada only. If you’re interested in submitting a demo you can do so at the official website where they’re looking for any type of talented Canadian musicians.
So, even if you think Gene is a sellout he is still without a doubt one of the music industry’s most successful businessmen. And besides, anything that can help shine some light on unknown, talented bands can’t be a completely bad thing, right?
Q Vous serez bientôt à Montréal, dans le cadre de M. pour Montréal, pour échanger sur le branding des groupes musicaux. Quel est votre point de vue sur le sujet ?
«Les groupes ne comprennent pas la nature des affaires, en général. Par définition, ils sont des phénomènes de la nature. Partant de ce fait, ils ne sont pas préparés à ce qui s'appelle l'industrie de la musique. Ils font seulement affaire avec la musique. C'est un élément très important, (mais ) ce ne l'est pas assez. Un groupe, s'il fait ce qu'il doit faire, peut devenir une marque. Une marque de rock. Et alors, les fans d'un groupe peuvent acheter des t-shirts avec le nom et le logo du groupe et toutes sortes d'autres choses. Sans une marque, une marque déposée, vous ne pourrez pas arrêter les loups de voler ce que vous avez créé. Les groupes ne comprennent pas que ce n'est pas ce qu'ils appellent de la «musique». Ça s'appelle «l'industrie de la musique».
Quand on a couché avec 4,800 femmes et qu’on a fait partie d’un groupe ayant vendu plus de 100 millions d’albums dans le monde, peut-être qu’on peut se permettre d’être imbu de soi-même. Lors de son passage à Montréal, dans le cadre de M pour Montréal, Gene Simmons s’est donné ce privilège. Un gros nom, une grosse carrière, un gros ego.
Le bassiste de Kiss n’est pas simplement venu dans la métropole québécoise pour apprécier la beauté de ses habitantes. Le musicien était ici strictement pour une question d’affaires. Et on s’en est aperçu très rapidement. Mercredi avant-midi, les médias avaient été conviés à une conférence de presse à l’Astral, en marge du festival.
Il y a quelques mois, Simmons a mis sur pied une nouvelle compagnie de disques toute canadienne, Simmons Records. Son objectif? Signer les meilleurs groupes au pays et les amener à une popularité mondiale. "C’est bien beau être populaire à Moncton, mais ce n’est pas assez", a dit le célèbre "linguiste" qui a gardé ses lunettes fumées tout le long de l’opération.
The Envy, le premier groupe signé par Simmons Records, l’étiquette de Gene Simmons de KISS, présentera un concert gratuit au Café Campus, à Montréal, ce mercredi 17 novembre.
Le premier album de The Envy, un groupe torontois, devrait voir le jour au printemps 2011. Cette galette sera distribuée par Universal.
La formation est composée de Shaun Frank à la voix; Void à la guitare; Jonny aux claviers; Izzy à la batterie et Bodan à la basse.
Gene Simmons se trouve à Montréal aujourd’hui pour présenter son groupe.
Les portes du Café Campus ouvriront à 19h30. Le spectacle débutera à 20h.
Nov 18th-
Gene Simmons of Kiss delivered a keynote address at the 5th annual M For Montreal music conference on Wednesday.
His message continues to be the same, regardless of the forum: “You’re allowed to have a band, or you can have a brand.”
“What we all want to recognize is that a name means something," added Gene. "It doesn’t matter what it is: whether it has music, whether it’s a religious symbol, a political symbol, or a politician – everything should be a brand.”
Simmons spoke about brand management, downloading, trademarking and, in general, artist’s responsibilities to their brand.
There’s also news that the reactivated Simmons Records has secured its first signing: The Envy, a Toronto five-piece who will release their debut album early next year. The disc was co-produced by Desmond Child and Gavin Brown.
The Envy are booked as one of the openers on a Canadian tour by Finger Eleven, with dates across the country set for January/February of 2011.
Simmons attended The Envy’s gig Wednesday night, as part of the Montreal conference.
Despite years of blood-spitting, fire-breathing, and salacious tongue waggling, Gene Simmons is probably not the Antichrist. But the legendary KISS bassist, reality TV star, and marketing mastermind might be channeling Mammon, the demon of wealth, or perhaps whatever Horseman of the Apocalypse rides the most expensive thoroughbred. At least, that's the impression he seems to playfully cultivate in interviews and his long-running A&E reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels, as he shrewdly and pragmatically discusses dollars and cents with a devilishly sharp wit, and one eyebrow perpetually arched above impenetrably dark sunglasses.
As a founding member of KISS, one of the biggest-selling bands in rock history, Simmons continues to tour arenas all over the world. But he's in town this weekend for a different reason. At the M for Montreal music showcase, he'll be scouting talent for his new label, Simmons Records, and promoting his first signing, Toronto rockers The Envy, who gave a free show Wednesday night at Cafe Campus.
Partnered with ex-MP Belinda Stronach, Simmons' latest venture is focused exclusively on Canadian bands. “I really believe that the next generation of superstars is going to come out of Canada,” he says, “you've got perhaps the biggest marketing entity in the world right next door. You can take advantage of America, but you've got to have the goods.”
The bad-ass bass player of KISS not only has a long tongue but he also has long arms that’s extended across our borders.
Two years ago Gene Simmons founded Simmons Records, which was mostly to promote himself and other solo projects. Now in partnership with the Canadian branch of Universal, he’s more and more interested in the Canadian musical environment.
Invited to the M pour Montreal festival showcase Gene will be the special speaker at the festival’s opening conference. He’ll be debating the president of Sid Lee agency (J.F. Bouchard) on music and marketing. It’s a free event so please don’t be shy.
Shaun from The Envy here...just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know of our plans in the new year. As you may have heard we will be touring in Canada along-side another fellow Canadian Band Finger 11. The official tour dates have already been posted on our page at www.TheEnvyMusic.com.
Tickets have been up for sale since last Friday and be sure to look out for them because they are selling really fast! We hope to be able to see you all really soon in a city near you!
Be prepared for another amazing tour to kick off the start of 2011 with a BANG!!
Here are the tour stops:
January 16th, The Capitol Center, North Bay,On
January 17th, Grand Theater, Kingston, ON
January 18th, Le Studio Juste Pour Rire, QC
January 19th, Bronson Center, Ottawa, ON
January 22nd, Queen Elizabeth Theater, Toronto, ON
January 24th, Hamilton Place Theatre, Hamilton, ON
January 25th, Elements Nightclub, West Kitchner, ON
January 27th, Cowboys Ranch, London, ON
January 31st, Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MA
February 2nd, Conexus Arts Centre, Regina, SK
February 3rd, The Odeon, Saskatoon, SK
February 4th, MacEwan Hall, Calgary, AB
February 5th, Edmonton Event Center, Edmonton, AB
February 7th, The Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC
Reema Major is the talk of Twitter this morning for her BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher performance last night. The 15 year old rapper is the first female Canadian hip hop artist to attend the BET Hip Hop Awards, and be a part of the show. Creating a frenzy in the music industry, she has all of the major record labels negotiating with her managers at G7 Records to sign her. Not to mention, legendary KISS singer Gene Simmons is "crazy" for Reema Major!
Check out Gene Simmons Tweet about Reema Major:
@genesimmons Reema Major- new, smashing, young 15 year old rapper. She rocks & we wanna sign her to Simmons/Universal Records.
Three months may seem like a long time, but to us, it passed by in the blink of an eye. We have toured the summer away with KISS in Canada, USA, and Mexico and it has been nothing short of a dream come true. From playing for a total of over 400,000 people to traveling all over North America in our Blue Bird Tour Bus, this tour will not be easily forgotten! So many memories stand out for us: the 18 000 sold out crowd in Indiana, meeting the war veterans in Atlanta, showcasing for Universal Republic in New York City, meeting Universal Mexico at the Four Seasons in Mexico City, and paying for breakfast with the pesos "donated" to us on stage by the Mexican KISS Army!!!
There isn't enough space here to thank all of the people we've met, but please know we will never forget your kindness and support! Thanks to each and every fan (old and new) who watched us play and waited patiently for a signature; every friend who helped us out when it didn't look like we'd make it to the next show; every new business acquaintance who believed in us and took time out of their busy schedules to meet us (Monte and Avery Lipman who met with us in New York City in a small rehersal venue, and Victor González and the rest of the Universal team who we met in Gene’s suite in Mexico City); finally, the guys in KISS (especially Gene) for mentoring us and instilling in us that we should ALWAYS fight for what we believe in (even if it's with you, Gene!). We look forward to our new partnership with Universal Republic and Universal Mexico, and our continued support from Simmons/Universal/Remedy Music.
On the road, it can sometimes feel like the band is isolated and can only count on each other, but we now know that you have all experienced the ups and downs of this tour with us and for that we are so grateful! We look forward to the road ahead!
Lots of love,
The Envy
Oct 4th-
Universal Music Canada took a team photo to show their excitement and support for the Envy in Canada! Universal Music Canada announced their partnership with Simmons Records and the Envy last year, and have since been working closely with the band and Gene Simmons on the Envy’s journey to success in Canada and the rest of the world.
“I experienced The Envy live for the first time in early 2009 at The Supermarket in Toronto. After seeing that gig, I believed they were the best unsigned live act I had seen in a very long time and let a lot of people know that. Gene Simmons believed the same and the band have delivered each and every subsequent time. They have what it takes in every corner of the business but moreover, they are a great, tight, hard working band with incredible energy and the songs and drive to succeed on the global stage”. – Ivar Hamilton, V.P. Artist Marketing, Universal Music Canada
Oct 2nd-
KISS played two sold out shows in Mexico City.
The ENVY opened the show, as they have been doing on this leg of the tour -- for 34 shows.
While in Mexico City, Universal's Carole Wright set up a meeting UMG Mexico heads = Victor Gonzalz/UMG Mexico President.... Jose Puig/UMG Marketing Director.... and Hamurabi Castro/UMG Mexico Mkt & Content Anglo Director.
We all met in my hotel suite.
Joining us were The Envy's Shaun Frank and Void.
This is the beginning of a wonderful relationship for us, that will open doors for the Envy in Mexico and all the way down Central America.
Storming the United States is a brilliantly talented band called The Envy. Currently on tour with KISS, they were recently discovered by Gene Simmons, and promptly signed to his label. What a sweet move for Mr. Simmons! They have a fantastic stage presence that I have seen in many other world famous bands, and they sing to thousands as though they are singing to millions. While their good looks certainly don’t hurt, don’t let their pretty image fool you. Their music ranges from melancholy hooks and riffs to finely tuned magic, as they put on a performance that is truly worthy of “The Hottest Show On Earth”!
As people continue to trickle in to day 1 of Epicenter Twenty Ten, they were met by the opening band The Envy. These guys are a fresh new band on Gene Simmons label and have been touring with Kiss for the past few months.
This is their first time ever in California, and even they said that the west coast has been the best trip for them ever. Coming from guys who have been all over the world and toured with some pretty huge bands, it comes as quite an honor.
At first nobody was around for the beginning of their set, but people made their way over to the Monster Stage as they heard their first glimpse of live music.
Towards the end of the second song, the singers mic cut out. After cussing out the malfunction, he completed the song by screaming as loud as he could, which sufficed for the eager fans in the front few rows. Order was restored before the next song and they finished off the rest of their set pretty solidly.
It’s no surprise that Gene Simmons signed them to his label. We’re sure to be seeing and hearing big things from these guys.
Canadian rockers The Envy are having a couple firsts today -- the band is the first act at today's Epicenter festival in Fontana and it's the first time they've played California.
It's the band's last date on tour with Kiss, playing tonight. Gene Simmons signed the band to his label.
"It's true that everything is much more beautiful on the west coast," lead singer Shaun Frank told the crowd that grew with each song.
I'm liking his indecisive half-shirt, half-tank top which seems appropriate for a day like today that's feeling super-hot.
Sept 24th-
Universal's Mark Spicoluk was on the town, and saw Reema Major's second show at Bloor St, a small club in Toronto. That night, he became a believer.
The Universal team is there in full force...
More to come soon!
And here is the lovely Reema -- all of 15 years old!!!
Sept 21st-
Sept 19th-
Here is Shaun Frank, lead singer of THE ENVY, during their recent industry show at Toronto's TATTOO club.
Attending were Universal Music's Randy Lennox... Belinda Stronach... yours truly... and a packed roomful of the hippest and coolest...
Two days ago, I was in Toronto doing promotion and media for our first signing, THE ENVY...
While there, Universal's Mark Spicoluk suggested that I meet REEMA MAJOR and Kwajo, head of G7 Records.
We met at the hotel... and, well... I was awe struck.
I've been around the music industry for 37 years.
There is a phrase -- maybe you've heard it...
"EITHER YOU'VE GOT IT... OR YOU DON'T."
And Reema Major has "it."
She is all of 15 years old (!!!).
She was born in a jail cell (!!!).
She raps. She struts. She IS style.
Reema, Kwajo and the G7 crew met to talk about our interest in signing Reema.
And then we decided to go get some Starbucks, which was next door.
The excitement that Reema caused was immediate and overwhelming. A crowd gathered right away. A television crew picked up on the excitement, and we were interviewed on the street.
We, at Simmons/Universal, intend on putting the full court press on this ARTIST, which is what she is.
You will be hearing a lot about her.
Remember her name - REEMA MAJOR.
The Envy are hard at work in the studio recording their debut album. Here's
some shots of VØID, the bands lead guitarist recording at Phase One Studios
in Toronto.
More to come soon!
Sept 10th-
Here's Bodan, bass player for The Envy, trying out the AXE bass during The Envy's set opening for KISS.
We will be having a private party in Toronto for Simmons/Universal artists, THE ENVY.
If you saw the KISS tour, you saw and heard THE ENVY.
If you're lucky enough to have an invite, you will have the time of your lives.
We are also filming the event for a future GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS episode (Season VI !!!!).
Thank you for introducing the world to the envy. Wow!!!! What a band. Even my 6 year old son, who saw them open for KISS in new jersey, loved them. I will be buying two copies of their debut album, one for me and one for my wife.
THE ENVY has just released their debut EP titled Don’t Let Go on Simmons Records/Universal Music. The five-song sampler, only available at shows on their summer tour, digitally on iTunes and the bands official website: www.TheEnvyMusic.com, features the band’s debut single “Don’t Let Go,” three additional songs from their forthcoming debut album and a bonus EP-only, non-album track. The band is currently offering a free download of “Don’t Let Go” on their official website and is on tour supporting legendary, musical icon KISS on “The Hottest Show on Earth” 2010 North American summer tour through September.
Formed in 2009, THE ENVY is Shaun Frank (vox), VØID (guitars), Jonny (keys), Bodan (bass) and Izzy (drums). Drawing comparisons in sound to Foo Fighters, U2 and The Killers, THE ENVY honed their songwriting and infectious live performance on the road, before entering the studio with multi-platinum producer Gavin Brown (Metric, Three Days Grace) earlier this year to record their debut album. Soon after, Gene Simmons who had seen the band play and recognized their potential, signed them as the first artist to his new Simmons Records label. Currently the band is on tour through September with KISS as the final mixes are being completed on their debut full-length album by Grammy award-winning mixer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Muse, Tool, AFI) and highly the sought after Randy Staub (Metallica, Nickelback, Bon Jovi).
THE ENVY has released their debut EP titled "Don’t Let Go" on Simmons Records/Universal Music today. The five-song sampler, only available at shows on their summer tour, digitally on iTunes and the bands official website: www.TheEnvyMusic.com, features the band’s debut single “Don’t Let Go,” three additional songs from their forthcoming debut album and a bonus EP-only, non-album track. The band is currently offering a free download of “Don’t Let Go” on their official website and is on tour supporting legendary, musical icon KISS on “The Hottest Show on Earth” 2010 North American summer tour through September. Watch Gene Simmons (of Kiss fame) introduce the band below!
Los Angeles, CA – August 25, 2010 – THE ENVY has released their debut EP titled Don’t Let Go on Simmons Records/Universal Music today. The five-song sampler, only available at shows on their summer tour, digitally on iTunes and the bands official website: www.TheEnvyMusic.com)., features the band’s debut single “Don’t Let Go,” three additional songs from their forthcoming debut album and a bonus EP-only, non-album track. The band is currently offering a free download of “Don’t Let Go” on their official website and is on tour supporting legendary, musical icon KISS on “The Hottest Show on Earth” 2010 North American summer tour through September.
Formed in 2009, THE ENVY is Shaun Frank (vox), VØID (guitars), Jonny (keys), Bodan (bass) and Izzy (drums). Drawing comparisons in sound to Foo Fighters, U2 and The Killers, THE ENVY honed their songwriting and infectious live performance on the road, before entering the studio with multi-platinum producer Gavin Brown (Metric, Three Days Grace) earlier this year to record their debut album. Soon after, Gene Simmons who had seen the band play and recognized their potential, signed them as the first artist to his new Simmons Records label. Currently the band is on tour through September with KISS as the final mixes are being completed on their debut full-length album by Grammy award-winning mixer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Muse, Tool, AFI) and highly the sought after Randy Staub (Metallica, Nicelback, Bon Jovi).
We had a few days off in between the current Hottest Show In the World KISS tour...
So, I arranged for the nice folks at Fox Business Channel to give us some air time. Purpose: to get Shaun Frank some TV exposure re: THE ENVY.
The ENVY is our first act on SIMMONS/UNIVERSAL RECORDS (go to SIMMONSRECORDS.COM).
AUG 25th
1:30 PM (ET) FOXNews.com (Strategy Room) “Variety Hour,” with Gene Simmons and Shaun Frank (lead singer of THE ENVY on SIMMONS/UNIVERSAL RECORDS) hosted by Kimberly Guilfoyle
2:00 PM (ET) FOX EXTRA with host, Tracy Byrnes
2:30 PM (ET) FOX BUSINESS LIVE with David Asman and Liz Claman,
3:30 – CO5 scheduling interviews for Shaun Frank re: THE ENVY.
AUG 26TH
8:30 AM (ET) - FOX & FRIENDS with Steve Doocy, Brian Kilmead and Gretchen Carlson. Gene Simmons and Shaun Frank.
4:00 PM (ET) "GENE SIMMONS W/ Bulls and Bears” with Liz Claman and David Asman, for the FULL HOUR (Two segments)
Aug 21st-
Aug 14th-
Toronto rock band THE ENVY have announced they have been invited to support legendary, musical icon KISS throughout their “Hottest Show on Earth” 2010 North American Summer Tour. THE ENVY has confirmed 30+ dates for their summer concert tour and will also support The Academy Is… on select dates. In advance of their debut album, to be released this fall on Simmons Records/Remedy Music/Universal Music, THE ENVY are releasing an exclusive five-song EP titled Don’t Let Go on August 24th that will only be available at shows on their summer tour, digitally on iTunes and via their official website www.TheEnvyMusic.com. The Don’t Let Go EP features the band’s debut single “Don’t Let Go,” three additional songs from their forthcoming debut album and a bonus EP-only, non-album track. The band is currently offering a free download of “Don’t Let Go” on their official website.
Formed in 2009, THE ENVY is Shaun Frank (vox), VØID (guitars), Jonny (keys), Bodan (bass) and Izzy (drums). Drawing comparisons in sound to Foo Fighters, U2 and The Killers, THE ENVY honed their songwriting and infectious live performance on the road, before entering the studio with multi-platinum producer Gavin Brown (Metric, Three Days Grace) earlier this year to record their debut album. Soon after, the band signed a deal with Gene Simmons, who had seen the band play, recognized their potential, and knew he wanted to take them to the world. The first artist signed to his Simmons Records label, the band is currently on tour with KISS as the final mixes are being completed on their debut full-length album by Grammy award-winning mixer David Bottrill (Peter Gabriel, Muse, Tool, AFI) and highly the sought after Randy Staub (Metallica, Nickelback, Bon Jovi).
“We are proud to announce our first signing: THE ENVY!” said Gene Simmons. “I have been looking for a band worthy of the distinction for over 18 months and auditioned literally dozens of bands before I found THE ENVY. Now that we’ve discovered this exciting new talent, we’re going to stop at nothing to break THE ENVY around the world. You will be hearing a lot more about them soon…count on it!”
Toronto rock band THE ENVY has announced they have been invited to support KISS throughout their “Hottest Show on Earth” 2010 North American Summer Tour, which stops at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy on Sept. 22.
In advance of their debut album, to be released this fall, THE ENVY are releasing an exclusive five-song EP titled Don’t Let Go on August 24 that will only be available at shows on their summer tour, digitally on iTunes and via their official website www.TheEnvyMusic.com. "The Don’t Let Go" EP features the band’s debut single “Don’t Let Go,” three additional songs from their forthcoming debut album and a bonus EP-only, non-album track. The band is currently offering a free download of “Don’t Let Go” on their official website.
The band has drawn comparisons in sound to Foo Fighters, U2 and The Killers, and the band is the first artist signed to Gene Simmons' new record label.
Tickets have been up for sale since last Friday and be sure to look out for them because they are selling really fast! We hope to be able to see you all really soon in a city near you!
